Ype Henry studied medicine in Leiden and completed his training in Ophthalmology in Amsterdam (VUmc). From 1994, he worked as a staff physician at VUmc, focusing on Cataract and Cornea. In 1998, Ype started an annual survey among all cataract and refractive surgeons in the Netherlands regarding practices and techniques in cataract and refractive surgery. He is also one of the founders of the NOG Cataract quality registry. In addition, Ype volunteered annually in countries including Cambodia, Vietnam and Morocco to perform cataract operations and provide training. Today, Ype Henry is a member of the ESCRS Charity Committee.
Former ophthalmologist Ype Henry has had a long and interesting career behind him. A career spanning from the tropics to the boardrooms of international ophthalmological organisations. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Henry began his medical studies without a clear direction towards ophthalmology.
“My path to ophthalmology began unexpectedly”.
“In 1981, I obtained my medical degree and did not yet have a plan for further training. The idea of going to the tropics appealed to me strongly. This was sparked after an adventurous trip through Indonesia that I had taken earlier with a friend during my studies. After residencies in Internal Medicine and Gynaecology and GP training, I worked as a doctor in tropical medicine in Papua New Guinea from 1985 to 1989.
A wonderful adventure as a medical officer, three years on an island and another year in the mountains. After those four years, I decided to return to the Netherlands. What now? I had performed too much surgery to want to continue as a GP and I wanted to keep the link with the tropics open. Specialising in ophthalmology became my choice to keep the connection with the tropics open and also to satisfy my surgical ambitions”.
“From 1990-1994, I completed my training in Ophthalmology at the VU in Amsterdam. After this, I became a staff member and then, following a fellowship in Rotterdam with Jan Pamijer, introduced the new technique of phacoemulsification at the VU. My involvement in international eye care began with Mekong Eye Doctors, an NGO supporting eye care projects in Vietnam and Cambodia. In 2012, I went to Morocco for the first time with Santé Pour Tous. From 1995 until the Covid pandemic, I travelled to these countries annually to organise eye camps”.
“Despite my retirement, it feels good to still be able to contribute”
“I look back on my career with satisfaction. I have always enjoyed the dynamics of the academic world and the interaction with medical professionals. Being able to communicate well with and advise patients, reassuring and guiding them, was something I always found extremely valuable”. For a few years now, I have been on the ESCRS Charity Committee. We currently fund three cataract projects in Africa, support the Cape Town University Ophthalmology training centre, and provide cataract wet labs using the Oertli CataRhex machine at the annual COECSA congress in Southern Africa. “It is essential that we share our knowledge and contribute to making good eye care available in less developed countries as well”.
Photos taken in Zimbabwe during the COECSA congress. Around 50 ophthalmologists learn basic Phaco techniques through a wet lab.
Oertli CataRhex and sustainability. An example of environmentally conscious innovation.
“In the Netherlands alone, 180,000 cataract operations are performed annually, and the waste generated as a result is substantial. Every time we perform a cataract operation, we throw away a complete set, including all tubing. This is far from environmentally friendly”.
“The reusable cassettes and Phaco tip of the Oertli CataRhex are unique if you strive for optimal sustainability in the ophthalmology operating theatre.”
Henry praises the CataRhex as a revolutionary machine, not only because of its advanced technology, reliability and user-friendliness. “The device is compact and mobile, which makes it ideal for me to use in various settings. What Henry particularly wants to emphasise is sustainability. “What makes the CataRhex unique is that you can work an entire day with a single reusable cassette and tubing. This not only reduces waste, but is also a huge step forward in reducing the environmental footprint in ophthalmic surgery.” In addition, he highlights the energy efficiency of the device: “The CataRhex consumes significantly less energy and requires less maintenance than other machines. This not only means lower operational costs, but also contributes to a more sustainable future for ophthalmology.”
“Sustainability must be a core value, not merely an afterthought.”
Oertli’s focus on sustainability is not limited to the design of the machine. The production processes are equally environmentally friendly, with minimal waste production and energy consumption. “This aligns perfectly with my vision of sustainable medical practices and our efforts within the NOG and the ESCRS to make ophthalmology more sustainable,” says Henry.
Why choose Oertli CataRhex3?
The CataRhex 3 surgical platform from Oertli proves that great things sometimes come in small packages. With extremely compact dimensions and a weight of just five kilograms, the CataRhex 3 phaco machine systematically focuses on mobility and portability. Featuring the unique SPEEP pump and trusted easyPhaco technology, the CataRhex 3 is an effective device for simple, safe and efficient working in ophthalmic surgical procedures.
Make the difference – with the CataRhex 3 phaco machine from Oertli.
